• Nominees for unfilled ULBs in eastern districts
• State govt mulling anti-defection law for ULBs
Morung Express News
Dimapur | July 5
The Nagaland state government is seriously considering filling up the empty Urban Local Bodies in the 6 eastern districts, falling under the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) bloc. The Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio made the disclosure at a reception programme organised by the ruling NDPP party for the newly elected party councilors to the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) and East Dimapur Town Council (EDTC).
Rio expressed regret that the ENPO bloc did not participate, by boycotting the ULB elections, and even disallowing anyone from filing nominations. The ENPO bloc has 14 ULBs— 3 in Kiphire, 2 in Longleng, 5 in Mon, 1 in Noklak, 1 in Shamator and 2 in Tuensang.
“We regret and feel bad they decided to boycott (but) I hope better time will come and we will all work together not only in the CNTC or TUN areas but in the whole state,” said the CM, as he revealed that the government will nominate “nominees” in the ULBs falling in the ENPO bloc.
He did not specify how much but he said that there will be “some permissible limits” as to the funds allocated. “It may not be as much as they desire but will not keep them in isolation. We will take them along with us and give them some grants to carry out the development for the urban areas,” he added.
Appointing nominees will also extend to the remaining elected ULBs. According to him, unelected nominees will be appointed through recommendations from the community as well as the party.
He said that the NDPP was fortunate that the ULBs are not covered by the Anti-Defection law. Taking advantage of which, he said that Independents and “some (unnamed) parties” could merge with the NDPP in the DMC. However, he said, “If we keep it like that, there may be instability.” To put a plug to potential defection in the future, he informed that the state is considering passing a law relating to defection of councillors in the ULBs.
The NDPP won 13 seats in the 23-member DMC. With 2 NPP councilors extending support and 2 Independents “merging,” the party grabbed the posts of the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson. Hukheto Yepthomi, who won from Ward-15, has been declared the Chairperson-designate with Imlinaro Stephanie Ezung (Ward-21) as the Deputy Chairperson-designate.
In the 11-member EDTC, the ruling party won 8 seats, also grabbing the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson’s posts. Niuto Awomi, who won from the EDTC Ward-2, has been declared the Chairperson-designate with Razuo Dozo as the Deputy. Dozo won from Ward-8.
While the members of the Assembly handle the affairs of the state overall, he said that the performance of the newly elected councilors will define the image of the government at the grassroots.
With a blend of experienced seniors and energetic and youthful new councilors, he banked on the ULBs serving the people with zeal. He placed emphasis on transparency and said that there will be workshops for orienting the new councillors on handling the affairs of the ULBs.
Fund-wise, he said that there will be grants from state government and the Central government.
MLA and Advisor for Labour, Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Excise, Moatoshi Longkumer termed that results of the ULB elections reinforcing the people’s faith in the NDPP. He was confident that instability in the ULBs will not be an issue but supported the CM’s proposal for a law to preventing defection and “horse-trading.” He told the new NDPP councillors and allies to not make tall promises that cannot be fulfilled. “Promise what you can fulfill,” he said.
NDPP President, Chingwang Konyak maintained that the ruling party has not lost turf despite the Lok Sabha debacle. He held that different dynamics come into play in the Lok sabha and ULB elections. He told the new councilor, “Winning is not the end. Now you have to start working.”
